Non-cubic logic puzzle

ABSTRACT

A non-cubic logic puzzle includes a core mechanism, puzzle pieces, and an interconnecting structure. The core mechanism provides a three-dimensional origin of the non-cubic logic puzzle and is coupled to the puzzle pieces. The puzzle pieces are arranged in desired configuration having a first non-cubic pattern in a first plane with respect to three-dimensional origin and a second non-cubic pattern in a second plane with respect to the three-dimensional origin. The interconnecting structure enables the puzzle pieces to change configurations with respect to the desired configuration and to return to the desired configuration, wherein the interconnecting structure allows, for a given plane, a plane-row of puzzles pieces to rotate about the three-dimensional original in a plane-row direction and a plane-column of puzzles pieces to rotate about the three-dimensional original in a plane-column direction.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENTS

This patent application is claiming priority under 35 USC §119(e) to aprovisionally filed patent application entitled Extended-Layer TwistingLogic Puzzle, having a provisional filing date of Mar. 15, 2013, and aprovisional serial number of 61/799,927, which is incorporated byreference herein.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

NOT APPLICABLE

INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC

NOT APPLICABLE

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field of the Invention

The present invention is in the field of twisting logic puzzles thatinclude moving pieces that are permuted about a central axis withrespect to one another.

2. Description of Related Art

Many twisty puzzles exist today, the most notable being the 3×3×3Rubik's Cube invented by Hungarian Inventor Erno Rubik. Such puzzles areoften comprised of a 3-Dimensional (3D) central axis about which‘cubies’ of the puzzle may rotate with respect to the layers they makeup. A layer is comprised of the cubies directly adjacent to one anotherthat are in the same plane. The 3×3×3 Rubik's Cube is comprised of a3-axis core and a total of 20 “cubies” of which 8 can rotate as a layeron each face of the cube about each axis. Twisty puzzles of variousshapes and different numbers of moving parts are common.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a non-cubiclogic puzzle in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a non-cubiclogic puzzle in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a top or bottom view of an embodiment of a non-cubic logicpuzzle in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 4-7 are various cross sectional diagrams of an embodiment of anon-cubic logic puzzle in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a front or back view of an embodiment of a non-cubic logicpuzzle in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 9-11 are various cross sectional diagrams of an embodiment of anon-cubic logic puzzle in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 12-17 are diagrams of an embodiment of rotating mechanisms for anon-cubic logic puzzle in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a diagram of an example of a non-cubic logic puzzle in adesired configuration;

FIG. 19 is a diagram of an example of a non-cubic logic puzzle rotatedfrom the desired configuration;

FIG. 20 is a diagram of another example of a non-cubic logic puzzle in adesired configuration;

FIG. 21 is a diagram of another example of a non-cubic logic puzzlerotated from the desired configuration;

FIG. 22 is a diagram of another example of plane-row rotation of anon-cubic logic puzzle in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 23 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of anon-cubic logic puzzle in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 24 is a top or bottom view of an embodiment of a non-cubic logicpuzzle in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 25-28 are various cross sectional diagrams of an embodiment of anon-cubic logic puzzle in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 29 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of anon-cubic logic puzzle in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 30 is an isometric diagram of another embodiment of a non-cubiclogic puzzle in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 31 is an exploded view of an embodiment of a portion of a non-cubiclogic puzzle in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 32 is a side view of an embodiment of a non-cubic logic puzzle inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 33 is a partial isometric diagram of another embodiment of anon-cubic logic puzzle in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 34 is a side view of an embodiment of FIG. 33;

FIGS. 35-44 are diagrams of various puzzle pieces of an embodiment of anon-cubic logic puzzle in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 45 is a partial isometric diagram of another embodiment of anon-cubic logic puzzle in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 46 is a side view of an embodiment of FIG. 45; and

FIGS. 47-56 are diagrams of various puzzle pieces of an embodiment of anon-cubic logic puzzle in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a non-cubiclogic puzzle that includes a core mechanism (not shown in this figure),a plurality of puzzle pieces (e.g., cubies), and an interconnectingstructure (not shown in this figure). The puzzle pieces are arranged indesired configuration (e.g., completed or beginning puzzle formation).In this configuration, the puzzles pieces have a first non-cubic patternin a first plane with respect to three-dimensional origin and a secondnon-cubic pattern in a second plane with respect to thethree-dimensional origin.

For example, if the first plane is an X-Y plane of a three-dimensionalX-Y-Z coordinate system, then the first non-cubic pattern is representedin the top and bottom views. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the firstnon-cubic pattern is an X or a + sign. Continuing with the example, ifthe second plane is the X-Z plane of the three-dimensional X-Y-Zcoordinate system, then the second non-cubic pattern is represented inthe side views. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the second non-cubicpattern is rectangle. Further continuing with the example, if the thirdplane is the Z-Y plane of the three-dimensional X-Y-Z coordinate system,then a third non-cubic pattern is represented in the front and rearviews. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the third non-cubic pattern isrectangle.

As is shown, each puzzle piece includes a number, which isrepresentative of the type of puzzle piece. For example, the puzzlepieces with the number 2 are center top and bottom puzzle pieces. In thedesired configuration, this type of puzzle piece is only adjacent tonumber 8 puzzle pieces. In this embodiment, there are two number 2puzzle pieces (e.g., one on the top and one on the bottom), which may beconstructed as part 2 of FIG. 36 or FIG. 48.

Continuing with the example, the puzzles pieces with the number 5 arecenter side puzzle pieces. In the desired configuration, this type ofpuzzle piece is only adjacent to number 9 puzzle pieces. In thisembodiment, there are four number 5 puzzle pieces (e.g., one on eachside), which may be constructed as part 2 of FIG. 39 or FIG. 51. Theexample further includes sixteen number 6 corner top and bottom puzzlepieces (e.g., eight on the top and eight on the bottom). In the desiredconfiguration, the number 6 puzzle pieces are adjacent to puzzle piecesnumber 7 and number 9. Puzzle pieces 6 may be constructed as part 6 ofFIG. 40 or FIG. 52.

The example still further includes twenty number 9 puzzle pieces (e.g.,4 on the top, 4 on the bottom, 2 on the front, 2 on the rear, 2 on eachof the sides, and 4 at the corners of the rear, sides, and front), whichare center edge puzzle pieces. In the desired configuration, the number9 puzzle pieces are adjacent to puzzle pieces number 5, number, 6, andnumber 8. Puzzle pieces 9 may be constructed as part 9 of FIG. 43 orFIG. 55.

The example also includes eight number 7 puzzle pieces (e.g., 4 on eachof the top and bottom), which are inner corner top and bottom puzzlepieces. The example further includes eight number 8 puzzle pieces (e.g.,4 on each of the top and bottom), which are inner center top and bottompuzzle pieces. In the desired configuration, the number 7 puzzle piecesare adjacent to puzzle pieces number 6 and number 8 and the number 8puzzle pieces are adjacent to puzzle pieces number 2, number 7, andnumber 9. Puzzle pieces number 7 may be constructed as part 7 of FIG. 41or FIG. 53 and puzzle pieces number 8 may be constructed as part 8 ofFIG. 42 or FIG. 54.

In the embodiment of FIG. 1, each of the puzzle pieces has the same, orsubstantially similar, cubic exterior surface. For example, each puzzlepiece may have an exterior end cap such as part 4 of FIG. 38 and/or FIG.50.

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a non-cubiclogic puzzle that, in the desired configuration, has a plurality of rowsand columns in each of the three planes with respect to thethree-dimensional origin. In particular, the top and bottom areorientated with respect to the first plane and include a plurality ofplane 1 columns (e.g., five plane 1 columns) and a plurality of plane 1rows (e.g., five plane 1 rows). Each of the sides are orientated withrespect to the second plane and include a plurality of plane 2 columns(e.g., three plane 2 columns) and a plurality of plane 2 rows (e.g.,five plane 2 rows). Each of the front and back are orientated withrespect to the third plane and include a plurality of plane 3 columns(e.g., five plane 3 columns) and a plurality of plane 3 rows (e.g.,three plane 3 rows).

With respect to each of the planes, a row or column of puzzles piecesmay be rotated. For example, with respect to the first plane, a plane 1row may be rotated in a plane-row direction. For instance, if a plane 1row is rotated ninety degrees, it becomes a side row. As another examplewith respect to the first plane, a plane 1 column may be rotated in aplane-column direction. For instance, if a plane 1 column is rotatedninety degrees, it becomes a front or back column.

As an example with respect to the second plane, a plane 2 row may berotated in a plane-row direction. For instance, if a plane 2 row isrotated ninety degrees, it becomes a top or bottom row. As anotherexample with respect to the second plane, a plane 2 column may berotated in a plane-column direction. For instance, if a plane 2 columnis rotated ninety degrees, it becomes a front or back column.

As an example with respect to the third plane, a plane 3 row may berotated in a plane-row direction. For instance, if a plane 3 row isrotated ninety degrees, it becomes a side row. As another example withrespect to the three plane, a plane 3 column may be rotated in aplane-column direction. For instance, if a plane 3 column is rotatedninety degrees, it becomes a top or bottom column.

With respect to each of the planes, each row or each column may beindividually rotated. If a row is being rotated and is not in line(e.g., rotation is not a multiple of ninety), then columns cannot berotated and, if a column is being rotated and is not in line, then rowscannot be rotated. As the rows and/or columns of puzzles pieces arerotated in the planes, the non-cubic puzzle changes from its desiredconfiguration to plurality of other configurations.

FIG. 3 is a top or bottom view of an embodiment of a non-cubic logicpuzzle in the desired configuration. The top or bottom view iscross-sectioned in four places and the corresponding cross section viewsare shown in FIGS. 4-7.

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross sectional view of the plane 1-row 5 of thedesired configuration. In this front cross sectional view, a plane 1 row5 layer includes nine puzzle pieces (e.g., one #5, four of each of #6and #9).

FIG. 5 illustrates a cross sectional view of the plane 1-row 4 of thedesired configuration. In this front cross sectional view, a plane 1 row4 layer includes twelve exterior puzzle pieces (e.g., two of each of #8and #9 and four of each of #6 and #7) and three inner puzzle pieces. Theinner puzzle pieces may be separate puzzle pieces (e.g., part 10 of FIG.44 or of FIG. 56) and/or extensions of one or more of the exteriorpuzzle pieces (e.g., part 5 of FIG. 39 or of FIG. 51).

FIG. 6 illustrates a cross sectional view of the plane 1-row 3 of thedesired configuration. In this front cross sectional view, a plane 1 row3 layer includes twelve exterior puzzle pieces (e.g., two of each of #2and #5 and four of each of #8 and #9), two inner puzzle pieces, and acore mechanism. The inner puzzle pieces may be separate puzzle piecesand/or extensions of one or more of the exterior puzzle pieces. The coremechanism may be constructed as part 1 of FIG. 35 or of FIG. 47 and part3 of FIG. 37 or of FIG. 48.

FIG. 7 illustrates a cross sectional view of the plane 1-row 2 of thedesired configuration. In this front cross sectional view, a plane 1 row2 layer includes twelve exterior puzzle pieces (e.g., two of each of #8and #9 and four of each of #6 and #7) and three inner puzzle pieces. Theinner puzzle pieces may be separate puzzle pieces (e.g., part 10 of FIG.44 or of FIG. 56) and/or extensions of one or more of the exteriorpuzzle pieces (e.g., part 5 of FIG. 39 or of FIG. 51).

FIG. 8 is a front or back view of an embodiment of a non-cubic logicpuzzle in the desired configuration. The front or back view iscross-sectioned in three places and the corresponding cross sectionviews are shown in FIGS. 9-11.

FIG. 9 illustrates a cross sectional view of the plane 3-row 3 of thedesired configuration. In this top or bottom cross sectional view, aplane 3 row 3 layer includes twenty-one puzzle pieces (e.g., one #2,four of each of #7, #8, and #9, and eight of #6).

FIG. 10 illustrates a cross sectional view of the plane 3-row 2 of thedesired configuration. In this top or bottom cross sectional view, aplane 3 row 2 layer includes twelve puzzle pieces (e.g., four of #5 andeight of #9), eight inner puzzle pieces, and the core mechanism. Theinner puzzle pieces may be separate puzzle pieces (e.g., part 10 of FIG.44 or of FIG. 56) and/or extensions of one or more of the exteriorpuzzle pieces (e.g., part 5 of FIG. 39 or of FIG. 51). The coremechanism may be constructed as part 1 of FIG. 35 or of FIG. 47 and part3 of FIG. 37 or of FIG. 48.

FIG. 11 illustrates a cross sectional view of the plane 3-row 1 of thedesired configuration. In this top or bottom cross sectional view, aplane 3 row 1 layer includes twenty-one puzzle pieces (e.g., one #2,four of each of #7, #8, and #9, and eight of #6).

FIGS. 12-17 are diagrams of an embodiment of rotating mechanisms for anon-cubic logic puzzle that form an interconnecting structure of thenon-cubic logic puzzle. In general, the interconnecting structureenables the puzzle pieces to change configurations with respect to thedesired configuration and to return to the desired configuration. Forinstance, the interconnecting structure allows, for a given plane, aplane-row of puzzles pieces to rotate about the three-dimensionaloriginal in a plane-row direction and a plane-column of puzzles piecesto rotate about the three-dimensional original in a plane-columndirection.

FIG. 12 is a top or bottom view of the non-cubic logic puzzle in adesired configuration. The non-cubic logic puzzle includes a pluralityof first plane-row rotation mechanisms that allow the plane 1 rows toindividually rotation the plane-row direction. As such, one or moreplane rows may be rotating at a given time. Further, a plane row doesnot need to be in alignment (e.g., is aligned with respect to one of theplanes) for another plane row to be rotated.

Each of the first plane row rotation mechanisms may be integrated intothe puzzle pieces such that channels, tracks, grooves, alignment guides,etc. are formed in the puzzles pieces that allow the puzzle pieces tomove with respect to the other puzzle pieces. Alternatively, themechanisms may be separate physical components that provide channels,tracks, grooves, alignment guides, etc. about which, or in which, thepuzzle pieces move. The first plane-row mechanisms prevent plane-columnrotation unless the plane-rows of puzzle pieces are in alignment (e.g.,are aligned with respect to one of the planes).

FIG. 13 is a top or bottom view of the non-cubic logic puzzle in adesired configuration and includes a plurality of first plane-columnrotation mechanisms that allow the plane 1 columns to individuallyrotation the plane-column direction. As such, one or more plane columnsmay be rotating at a given time. Further, a plane column does not needto be in alignment (e.g., is aligned with respect to one of the planes)for another plane column to be rotated.

Each of the first plane column rotation mechanisms may be integratedinto the puzzle pieces such that channels, tracks, grooves, alignmentguides, etc. are formed in the puzzles pieces that allow the puzzlepieces to move with respect to the other puzzle pieces. Alternatively,the mechanisms may be separate physical components that providechannels, tracks, grooves, alignment guides, etc. about which, or inwhich, the puzzle pieces move. The first plane-column mechanisms preventplane-row rotation unless the plane-columns of puzzle pieces are inalignment (e.g., are aligned with respect to one of the planes).

FIG. 14 is a front or back view of the non-cubic logic puzzle in adesired configuration and includes a plurality of third plane-rowrotation mechanisms that allow the plane 3 rows to individually rotationthe plane-row direction. As such, one or more plane rows may be rotatingat a given time. Further, a plane row does not need to be in alignment(e.g., is aligned with respect to one of the planes) for another planerow to be rotated.

Each of the third plane row rotation mechanisms may be integrated intothe puzzle pieces such that channels, tracks, grooves, alignment guides,etc. are formed in the puzzles pieces that allow the puzzle pieces tomove with respect to the other puzzle pieces. Alternatively, themechanisms may be separate physical components that provide channels,tracks, grooves, alignment guides, etc. about which, or in which, thepuzzle pieces move. The third plane-row mechanisms prevent plane-columnrotation unless the plane-rows of puzzle pieces are in alignment (e.g.,are aligned with respect to one of the planes).

FIG. 15 is a front or back view of the non-cubic logic puzzle in adesired configuration and includes a plurality of third plane-columnrotation mechanisms that allow the plane 3 columns to individuallyrotation the plane-column direction. As such, one or more plane columnsmay be rotating at a given time. Further, a plane column does not needto be in alignment (e.g., is aligned with respect to one of the planes)for another plane column to be rotated.

Each of the third plane column rotation mechanisms may be integratedinto the puzzle pieces such that channels, tracks, grooves, alignmentguides, etc. are formed in the puzzles pieces that allow the puzzlepieces to move with respect to the other puzzle pieces. Alternatively,the mechanisms may be separate physical components that providechannels, tracks, grooves, alignment guides, etc. about which, or inwhich, the puzzle pieces move. The third plane-column mechanisms preventplane-row rotation unless the plane-columns of puzzle pieces are inalignment (e.g., are aligned with respect to one of the planes).

FIG. 16 is a side view of the non-cubic logic puzzle in a desiredconfiguration and includes a plurality of second plane-row rotationmechanisms that allow the plane 2 rows to individually rotation theplane-row direction. As such, one or more plane rows may be rotating ata given time. Further, a plane row does not need to be in alignment(e.g., is aligned with respect to one of the planes) for another planerow to be rotated.

Each of the second plane row rotation mechanisms may be integrated intothe puzzle pieces such that channels, tracks, grooves, alignment guides,etc. are formed in the puzzles pieces that allow the puzzle pieces tomove with respect to the other puzzle pieces. Alternatively, themechanisms may be separate physical components that provide channels,tracks, grooves, alignment guides, etc. about which, or in which, thepuzzle pieces move. The second plane-row mechanisms prevent plane-columnrotation unless the plane-rows of puzzle pieces are in alignment (e.g.,are aligned with respect to one of the planes).

FIG. 17 is a front or back view of the non-cubic logic puzzle in adesired configuration and includes a plurality of second plane-columnrotation mechanisms that allow the plane 2 columns to individuallyrotation the plane-column direction. As such, one or more plane columnsmay be rotating at a given time. Further, a plane column does not needto be in alignment (e.g., is aligned with respect to one of the planes)for another plane column to be rotated.

Each of the second plane column rotation mechanisms may be integratedinto the puzzle pieces such that channels, tracks, grooves, alignmentguides, etc. are formed in the puzzles pieces that allow the puzzlepieces to move with respect to the other puzzle pieces. Alternatively,the mechanisms may be separate physical components that providechannels, tracks, grooves, alignment guides, etc. about which, or inwhich, the puzzle pieces move. The second plane-column mechanismsprevent plane-row rotation unless the plane-columns of puzzle pieces arein alignment (e.g., are aligned with respect to one of the planes).

FIG. 18 is a diagram of an example of a non-cubic logic puzzle in adesired configuration. In this example, the center column (e.g., plane 1column 3) is going to be rotated ninety degrees. The gray shaded puzzlepieces indicated that they are not the outmost puzzles pieces in thefront or back view.

FIG. 19 is a diagram of an example of a non-cubic logic puzzle rotatedfrom the desired configuration. In this example, plane 1 column 3 ofFIG. 18 is now plane 3 column 3 and plane 3 column 3 of FIG. 18 is nowplane 1 column 3. From this configuration, any of the plane-rows orplane-columns may be rotated.

FIG. 20 is a diagram of another example of a non-cubic logic puzzle in adesired configuration. In this example, the center column (e.g., plane 1row 3) is going to be rotated ninety degrees. The gray shaded puzzlepieces indicated that they are not the outmost puzzles pieces in thefront or back view.

FIG. 21 is a diagram of another example of a non-cubic logic puzzlerotated from the desired configuration. In this example, plane 1 row 3of FIG. 20 is now plane 3 row 3 and plane 3 row 3 of FIG. 20 is nowplane 1 row 3. From this configuration, any of the plane-rows orplane-columns may be rotated. The gray shaded puzzle pieces indicatedthat they are not the outmost puzzles pieces in the front or back view.

FIG. 22 is a diagram of another example of plane-row rotation of anon-cubic logic puzzle. In this example, a plane 3 row is being rotatedand is out of alignment (e.g., not aligned to one of the planes). Inthis state, the plane row rotating mechanisms prevent plane columnrotation until the plane row is in alignment.

FIG. 23 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of anon-cubic logic puzzle that includes a core mechanism (not shown in thisfigure), a plurality of puzzle pieces (e.g., cubies), and aninterconnecting structure (not shown in this figure). The puzzle piecesare arranged in desired configuration (e.g., completed or beginningpuzzle formation). In this configuration, the puzzles pieces have afirst non-cubic pattern in a first plane with respect tothree-dimensional origin and a second non-cubic pattern in a secondplane with respect to the three-dimensional origin.

For example, if the first plane is an X-Y plane of a three-dimensionalX-Y-Z coordinate system, then the first non-cubic pattern is representedin the top and bottom views. In the embodiment of FIG. 23, the firstnon-cubic pattern is a rectangle. Continuing with the example, if thesecond plane is the X-Z plane of the three-dimensional X-Y-Z coordinatesystem, then the second non-cubic pattern is represented in the sideviews. In the embodiment of FIG. 23, the second non-cubic pattern isrectangle. Further continuing with the example, if the third plane isthe Z-Y plane of the three-dimensional X-Y-Z coordinate system, then athird pattern is represented in the front and rear views. In theembodiment of FIG. 23, the third pattern is a cube.

As is shown, each puzzle piece includes a number, which isrepresentative of the type of puzzle piece. In this embodiment, thepuzzle pieces are #2 puzzle pieces, #5 puzzle pieces, #6 puzzle pieces,#7 puzzle pieces, #8 puzzle pieces, and #9 puzzle pieces.

FIG. 24 is a top or bottom view and FIG. 25 is a side view of anembodiment of a non-cubic logic puzzle in the desired configuration. Thetop or bottom view is cross-sectioned in four places and thecorresponding cross section views are shown in FIGS. 26-28.

FIG. 26 illustrates a cross sectional view of a plane 1-row 3 of thedesired configuration. In this front cross sectional view, a plane 1 row3 layer includes fifteen puzzle pieces (e.g., one #2, two each of #8 and#9, and four of each of #6 and #7).

FIG. 27 illustrates a cross sectional view of the plane 1-row 2 of thedesired configuration. In this front cross sectional view, a plane 1 row2 layer includes twelve exterior puzzle pieces (e.g., two of each of #2and #5 and four of each of #8 and #9), two inner puzzle pieces, and acore mechanism. The inner puzzle pieces may be separate puzzle pieces(e.g., part 10 of FIG. 44 or of FIG. 56) and/or extensions of one ormore of the exterior puzzle pieces (e.g., part 5 of FIG. 39 or of FIG.51). The core mechanism may be constructed as part 1 of FIG. 35 or ofFIG. 47 and part 3 of FIG. 37 or of FIG. 48.

FIG. 28 illustrates a cross sectional view of a plane 1-row 1 of thedesired configuration. In this front cross sectional view, a plane 1 row1 layer includes fifteen puzzle pieces (e.g., one #2, two each of #8 and#9, and four of each of #6 and #7).

FIG. 29 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of anon-cubic logic puzzle that includes a core mechanism (not shown in thisfigure), a plurality of puzzle pieces (e.g., cubies), and aninterconnecting structure (not shown in this figure). The puzzle piecesare arranged in desired configuration (e.g., completed or beginningpuzzle formation). In this configuration, the puzzles pieces have afirst non-cubic pattern in a first plane with respect tothree-dimensional origin and a second non-cubic pattern in a secondplane with respect to the three-dimensional origin.

For example, if the first plane is an X-Y plane of a three-dimensionalX-Y-Z coordinate system, then the first non-cubic pattern is representedin the top and bottom views. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the firstnon-cubic pattern is an X or a + sign. Continuing with the example, ifthe second plane is the X-Z plane of the three-dimensional X-Y-Zcoordinate system, then the second non-cubic pattern is represented inthe side views. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the second non-cubicpattern is an X or a + sign. Further continuing with the example, if thethird plane is the Z-Y plane of the three-dimensional X-Y-Z coordinatesystem, then a third non-cubic pattern is represented in the front andrear views. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the third non-cubic pattern isan X or a + sign.

As is shown, each puzzle piece includes a number, which isrepresentative of the type of puzzle piece. For example, the non-cubiclogic puzzle may include puzzle pieces #5, #6, and #9.

FIG. 30 is an isometric diagram of another embodiment of a non-cubiclogic puzzle. The puzzle is shown in a solved state, with the call-outnumbers indicating the number of the corresponding ‘Part’. The ‘extendedlayers’ of the puzzle include Part 6, Part 9, Part 5, and Part 4. Part7, Part 8, Part 4, and Part 2 compose the top face of FIG. 1, where twoof Part 6 are connected to each Part 7 and one of Part 9 is connected toeach Part 8. Part 10 is not visible in FIG. 1, but constrains the pairsof Part 9 on adjacent extended faces, which can be seen in FIG. 2. Part8 is in-turn constrained by Part 5 and Part 2, shown in detail by FIG.3. Part 7 is in-turn constrained by two of Part 8 and Part 10. When thelayers rotate, the pieces are constrained by other parts and featuresdescribed later. The pieces composing the unextended bottom face of thepuzzle of FIG. 1 are symmetric with the unextended top face. The puzzleis fully composed of one Part 1, two of Part 2, six of Part 3, six ofPart 4, four of part 5, sixteen of Part 6, eight of Part 7, eight ofPart 8, sixteen of Part 9, and four of Part 10.

The extended layers are free to rotate only when composed of four ofPart 9, four of Part 6, and Part 5. This is due in part to features 8.C,10.C, and 5.C. Note that Part 2 differs from Part 5 with respect tofeature C of each, and 5.A is the elongated feature that gives thecentral axis the cross shape. Feature 2.C is a curve that constrainsPart 8 via 8.D and Part 10 via 10.D. Feature 5.C is flat rather thancurved. This allows Part 5 to rotate independently of Part 7, Part 8,and Part 10 when the extended layer is fully composed. Cavities 8.C and10.C are set to a depth such that they are at the same level as thecritical point of feature 8.D and 10.D. Part 5 can rotate over thecavities designated by 8.C and 10.C because it is at the same height asthese features and is flat, rather than curved like feature 2.C, whichcannot pass through the cavities 8.C and 10.C.

The construction details of the puzzle is constructed out ofsufficiently rigid plastic, and Part 3 is a metal fastener, such as ascrew with a spring wrapped around to hold Part 2 and Part 5 tightly toPart 1.

FIG. 31 is an exploded view of an embodiment of a portion of a non-cubiclogic puzzle. In this illustration, four of Part 5 are coincident on twopairs of opposite sides of Part 1, and two of Part 2 are coincident withPart 1 on the remaining top and bottom sides. Part 2 and Part 5 arefastened to Part 1 by Part 3 with freedom to rotate about Part 3. Part 4is attached to Part 5 and Part 2 to cover their cavities.

FIG. 32 is a side view of an embodiment of a non-cubic logic puzzle.

FIG. 33 is a partial isometric diagram of another embodiment of anon-cubic logic puzzle. This is a similar figure to that of FIG. 31 withselect Parts hidden to show the way the Parts are interconnected andarranged in the puzzle. In this illustration, two of Part 6 are linkedtogether via features A and B (annotated as 6.A and 6.B) with Part 7 tothe cavities of 7.A and 7.B. Part 9 is linked together with Part 8 viafeatures 9.A and 9.B to cavities 8.A and 8.B. Two of Part 9 are linkedto Part 10 via features 9.A and 9.B to the respective cavities 10.A and10.B. Part 7 is constrained by contact between 7.D and adjacent features8.E and 10.E when not in rotation, and additionally features 2.D/2.C or5.D when in rotation. Part 8 is constrained by contact between feature8.D and feature 2.D and 5.D when not in rotation, and feature 8.E and2.D/2.C or 5.D when in rotation. Part 10 is constrained by feature 10.Din the same manner as Part 8.

FIG. 34 is a side view of an embodiment of FIG. 33.

FIGS. 35-44 are diagrams of various puzzle pieces of an embodiment of anon-cubic logic puzzle. Referring in more detail to Parts 6 through 10,features A all have the same radius of curvature, and features B allhave the same radius of curvature. Features 7.A, 8.A, and 10.A all havethe same thickness, and features 6.A and 9.A are thicker by a smallamount (e.g. 0.005″). Features 7.B, 8.B, and 10.B all have the samethickness, and features 6.B and 9.B are thinner by a small amount (e.g.0.005″). The difference in thickness allows for a slip fit betweenfeatures 6.B and 9.B and the cavities 7.B, 8.B, and 10.B. These featuresallow Part 6 and Part 9 to link with Part 7, Part 8, and Part 10 withoutfalling off the puzzle. When all the cavities (Feature A,B) of Part 7,Part 8, and Part 10 are adjacent to one another, they form a completecircular groove through which Part 6 and Part 9 may rotate through, viarespective features A,B.

Referring in more detail to Part 10, Part 10 differs from Part 8 only inthat it has two sets of feature A and feature B instead of one. Theradius of curvature of 10.B does not extend past 3/2 the edge length ofthe cubies less the depth of cavity B from the outer edge of the cubiein order to prevent intersection of the features 10.B.

In further detail of Parts 6 through 10, the primary cubie edge lengthsare all equal to that of 2.E, which is 0.74″ in this scenario. Feature Ashould have a radius of about 0.75″. Feature B should have a radius ofabout 0.90″ and a depth of about 0.18″. The depth corresponds to thethicknesses of 6.A plus 6.B and the thicknesses of 9.A plus 9.B. It mustbe at an appropriate depth to prevent extended layer cubies from fallingoff the puzzle during rotation of the pieces (0.18″ is sufficient).Features 8.C and 10.C are of a radius marginally more that of the squareroot of two times the primary edge length of the cubies (2.E) to allowPart 5 to rotate through these cavities.

FIG. 45 is a partial isometric diagram of another embodiment of anon-cubic logic puzzle.

FIG. 46 is a side view of an embodiment of FIG. 45.

FIGS. 47-56 are diagrams of various puzzle pieces of an embodiment of anon-cubic logic puzzle.

As may be used herein, the terms “substantially” and “approximately”provides an industry-accepted tolerance for its corresponding termand/or relativity between items. Such an industry-accepted toleranceranges from less than one percent to fifty percent and corresponds to,but is not limited to, component values, integrated circuit processvariations, temperature variations, rise and fall times, and/or thermalnoise. Such relativity between items ranges from a difference of a fewpercent to magnitude differences. As may also be used herein, theterm(s) “configured to”, “operably coupled to”, “coupled to”, and/or“coupling” includes direct coupling between items and/or indirectcoupling between items via an intervening item (e.g., an item includes,but is not limited to, a component, an element, a circuit, and/or amodule) where, for an example of indirect coupling, the intervening itemdoes not modify the information of a signal but may adjust its currentlevel, voltage level, and/or power level. As may further be used herein,inferred coupling (i.e., where one element is coupled to another elementby inference) includes direct and indirect coupling between two items inthe same manner as “coupled to”. As may even further be used herein, theterm “configured to”, “operable to”, “coupled to”, or “operably coupledto” indicates that an item includes one or more of power connections,input(s), output(s), etc., to perform, when activated, one or more itscorresponding functions and may further include inferred coupling to oneor more other items. As may still further be used herein, the term“associated with”, includes direct and/or indirect coupling of separateitems and/or one item being embedded within another item.

As may be used herein, the term “compares favorably”, indicates that acomparison between two or more items, signals, etc., provides a desiredrelationship. For example, when the desired relationship is that signal1 has a greater magnitude than signal 2, a favorable comparison may beachieved when the magnitude of signal 1 is greater than that of signal 2or when the magnitude of signal 2 is less than that of signal 1.

As may also be used herein, the terms “processing module”, “processingcircuit”, “processor”, and/or “processing unit” may be a singleprocessing device or a plurality of processing devices. Such aprocessing device may be a microprocessor, micro-controller, digitalsignal processor, microcomputer, central processing unit, fieldprogrammable gate array, programmable logic device, state machine, logiccircuitry, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or any device thatmanipulates signals (analog and/or digital) based on hard coding of thecircuitry and/or operational instructions. The processing module,module, processing circuit, and/or processing unit may be, or furtherinclude, memory and/or an integrated memory element, which may be asingle memory device, a plurality of memory devices, and/or embeddedcircuitry of another processing module, module, processing circuit,and/or processing unit. Such a memory device may be a read-only memory,random access memory, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, staticmemory, dynamic memory, flash memory, cache memory, and/or any devicethat stores digital information. Note that if the processing module,module, processing circuit, and/or processing unit includes more thanone processing device, the processing devices may be centrally located(e.g., directly coupled together via a wired and/or wireless busstructure) or may be distributedly located (e.g., cloud computing viaindirect coupling via a local area network and/or a wide area network).Further note that if the processing module, module, processing circuit,and/or processing unit implements one or more of its functions via astate machine, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or logiccircuitry, the memory and/or memory element storing the correspondingoperational instructions may be embedded within, or external to, thecircuitry comprising the state machine, analog circuitry, digitalcircuitry, and/or logic circuitry. Still further note that, the memoryelement may store, and the processing module, module, processingcircuit, and/or processing unit executes, hard coded and/or operationalinstructions corresponding to at least some of the steps and/orfunctions illustrated in one or more of the Figures. Such a memorydevice or memory element can be included in an article of manufacture.

One or more embodiments of an invention have been described above withthe aid of method steps illustrating the performance of specifiedfunctions and relationships thereof. The boundaries and sequence ofthese functional building blocks and method steps have been arbitrarilydefined herein for convenience of description. Alternate boundaries andsequences can be defined so long as the specified functions andrelationships are appropriately performed. Any such alternate boundariesor sequences are thus within the scope and spirit of the claims.Further, the boundaries of these functional building blocks have beenarbitrarily defined for convenience of description. Alternate boundariescould be defined as long as the certain significant functions areappropriately performed. Similarly, flow diagram blocks may also havebeen arbitrarily defined herein to illustrate certain significantfunctionality. To the extent used, the flow diagram block boundaries andsequence could have been defined otherwise and still perform the certainsignificant functionality. Such alternate definitions of both functionalbuilding blocks and flow diagram blocks and sequences are thus withinthe scope and spirit of the claimed invention. One of average skill inthe art will also recognize that the functional building blocks, andother illustrative blocks, modules and components herein, can beimplemented as illustrated or by discrete components, applicationspecific integrated circuits, processors executing appropriate softwareand the like or any combination thereof.

The one or more embodiments are used herein to illustrate one or moreaspects, one or more features, one or more concepts, and/or one or moreexamples of the invention. A physical embodiment of an apparatus, anarticle of manufacture, a machine, and/or of a process may include oneor more of the aspects, features, concepts, examples, etc. describedwith reference to one or more of the embodiments discussed herein.Further, from figure to figure, the embodiments may incorporate the sameor similarly named functions, steps, modules, etc. that may use the sameor different reference numbers and, as such, the functions, steps,modules, etc. may be the same or similar functions, steps, modules, etc.or different ones.

Unless specifically stated to the contra, signals to, from, and/orbetween elements in a figure of any of the figures presented herein maybe analog or digital, continuous time or discrete time, and single-endedor differential. For instance, if a signal path is shown as asingle-ended path, it also represents a differential signal path.Similarly, if a signal path is shown as a differential path, it alsorepresents a single-ended signal path. While one or more particulararchitectures are described herein, other architectures can likewise beimplemented that use one or more data buses not expressly shown, directconnectivity between elements, and/or indirect coupling between otherelements as recognized by one of average skill in the art.

The term “module” is used in the description of one or more of theembodiments. A module includes a processing module, a processor, afunctional block, hardware, and/or memory that stores operationalinstructions for performing one or more functions as may be describedherein. Note that, if the module is implemented via hardware, thehardware may operate independently and/or in conjunction with softwareand/or firmware. As also used herein, a module may contain one or moresub-modules, each of which may be one or more modules.

While particular combinations of various functions and features of theone or more embodiments have been expressly described herein, othercombinations of these features and functions are likewise possible. Thepresent disclosure of an invention is not limited by the particularexamples disclosed herein and expressly incorporates these othercombinations.

What is claimed is:
 1. A non-cubic logic puzzle comprises: a coremechanism to provide a three-dimensional origin of the non-cubic logicpuzzle; a plurality of puzzle pieces coupled to the core mechanism,wherein the plurality of puzzle pieces are arranged in desiredconfiguration having: a first non-cubic pattern in a first plane withrespect to three-dimensional origin; and a second non-cubic pattern in asecond plane with respect to the three-dimensional origin; and aninterconnecting structure that enables the plurality of puzzle pieces tochange configurations with respect to the desired configuration and toreturn to the desired configuration, wherein the interconnectingstructure allows, for a given plane, a plane-row of puzzles pieces torotate about the three-dimensional original in a plane-row direction anda plane-column of puzzles pieces to rotate about the three-dimensionaloriginal in a plane-column direction.
 2. The non-cubic logic puzzle ofclaim 1, wherein the interconnecting structure further comprises: afirst mechanism that, when the plane-row of puzzles pieces are rotatingabout the three-dimensional original in the plane-row direction,prevents plane-column direction of rotation of the plane-column ofpuzzle pieces; and a second mechanism that, when the plane-column ofpuzzles pieces are rotating about the three-dimensional original in theplane-column direction, prevents plane-row direction of rotation of theplane-row of puzzle pieces.
 3. The non-cubic logic puzzle of claim 1,wherein the interconnecting structure further comprises: a plurality ofplane-row mechanisms that allows, for the given plane, each of aplurality of plane-row of puzzles pieces to independently rotate aboutthe three-dimensional original in the plane-row direction; and aplurality of plane-column mechanisms that allows, for the given plane,each of a plurality of plane-column of puzzles pieces to independentlyrotate about the three-dimensional original in the plane-columndirection; wherein the plurality of plane-row mechanisms preventsplane-column direction of rotation of each of the plurality ofplane-column of puzzle pieces when one or more of the plurality ofplane-row of puzzles pieces are rotating about the three-dimensionaloriginal in the plane-row direction; and wherein the plurality ofplane-column mechanisms prevents plane-row direction of rotation of eachof the plurality of plane-row of puzzle pieces when one or more of theplurality of plane-column of puzzles pieces are rotating about thethree-dimensional original in the plane-column direction.
 4. Thenon-cubic logic puzzle of claim 1 further comprises: the interconnectingstructure is integrated into the plurality of puzzle pieces.
 5. Thenon-cubic logic puzzle of claim 1, wherein the plurality of puzzlepieces comprises: a set of center top and bottom puzzles pieces having acubic exterior surface; a set of center side puzzle pieces having thecubic exterior surface; a set of corner top and bottom puzzle pieceshaving the cubic exterior surface; a set of outer edge center top,bottom, and side puzzle pieces having the cubic exterior surface; a setof inner corner top and bottom puzzle pieces having the cubic exteriorsurface; and a set of inner center top and bottom puzzle pieces havingthe cubic exterior surface.
 6. The non-cubic logic puzzle of claim 5,wherein the plurality of puzzle pieces comprises: one or more innerpieces.
 7. The non-cubic logic puzzle of claim 1 further comprises: thefirst plane being an X-Y plane with respect to the three-dimensionalorigin; and the second plane being an X-Z plane pattern with respect tothe three-dimensional origin.
 8. The non-cubic logic puzzle of claim 1,wherein the plurality of puzzle pieces are arranged in desiredconfiguration having further comprises: a third non-cubic pattern in athird plane with respect to three-dimensional origin.
 9. The non-cubiclogic puzzle of claim 1, wherein the plurality of puzzle pieces arearranged in desired configuration having further comprises: a cubicpattern in a third plane with respect to three-dimensional origin. 10.The non-cubic logic puzzle of claim 1, wherein the plurality of puzzlepieces are arranged in desired configuration having further comprises:the first non-cubic pattern substantially equaling the second non-cubicpattern.